[Knowledge and life experience of mothers facing certain teenager's addictive behaviours in the region of Tunis]

We surveyed 415 mothers who regularly consult primary healthcare centres about their knowledge of addictive behavior in teenagers in relation to tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Most mothers considered the teenage period difficult. Apprehension of this period increased with the educational level of the mothers. Mothers did not often discuss the issue of addiction with their children, especially related to alcohol and drugs. Nevertheless, the mothers were aware of the risks of addiction. They considered information campaigns about this topic an efficient means of prevention. About half of the mothers had experience of addictive conduct involving a family member. They resolved the problems through family help or consultation with a specialist

[Knowledges - practical abilities- study about the accidental blood exposures in first lines of healthy structures in Tunis]

Accidental Blood Exposures [ABE] represents a real threat to healthcare workers. To our knowledge, in the two sanitary districts of Ouardia and Djebel Jeloud, few actions, in terms of ABE prevention, have been conducted. As a result, we have carried out there a knowledges-practical abilities [KPA] study during the month of April, 2007, in order to assess the initial situation, gauge the overall level of knowledge and practices of all the exposed personnel, and help define a training and improvement program. A questionnaire has been distributed to 49 people, using the technique of the direct interview. The results have shown a good knowledge of contamination risk by the three viruses HBV, HCV and HIV. The vaccination rate against B hepatitis is 59%. The resheathing of needles, considered as risk practice, has been identified among 58% of the people investigated. The police to follow, in case of ABE, seems to be insufficiently known. The results have enabled to set up an improvement procedure to reinforce the awareness and enhance the consciousness of the healthcare workers regarding ABE risks

School oral health survey in Kairouan, Tunisia

The aim of the oral health survey was to study oral disease prevalence in 600 schoolchildren [aged 6 years and 12 years] in Kairouan. World Health Organization methodology was used and the results were compared with the 1994 national survey findings. As well as oral examination, fluoride dosage in drinking water was assessed. Analysis showed that the findings were in agreement with the national survey except for dental caries prevalence, therapeutic index and dental fluorosis prevalence. Thus WHO recommendations made after the national survey remain valid in Kairouan

[Prevalence of dental caries in children with low birth weight]

Dental caries was evaluated in 58 children with low birth weight [750-2500 g] and in a control group of 58 children with birth weights greater than 2500 g. All children were examined for their caries experience using a standardized clinical examination. The results showed a higher prevalence of caries in the children with low birth weight [77.5%] than in the children with birth weights greater than 2500 g [44.8%], the difference being statistically significant [P < 0.001]. There was a negative correlation between birth weight groups and prevalence of caries [r = -0.34]. It was concluded that children with low birth weight have a greater risk of dental caries than others